Virgil Van Dijk has given the clearest indication yet that he has no intention of being a Celtic player for very much longer.
CQN has stated continually over the past few weeks that the club are likely to hold onto the player for the Champions League qualifiers then allow him his wish to move to an English club in an agreement similar to the one reached by Celtic with Fraser Forster last summer.
Speaking to Voetbal International Van Dijk has spoken about his situation in Glasgow and his wish to move on.
“I’m learning in Scotland every day, but I also know there is more. I want more. It’s time for the next challenge.
“I am 24 this year, I’m ready for something new – more pressure, better opponents.”
Van Dijk stated that there have been plenty of interest in him in previous transfer windows but Celtic didn’t want him to go. He said “there has been interest every summer and winter, especially from the Premier League.
“I stood there open to it. But Celtic decided not to sell me at that time.
“Yes, I was disappointed.”
This disappointment seems to be turning to frustration as Van Dijk sees his central defence partner Jason Denayer returning to Manchester City and starting for the Belgium in their win over France. Denayer was extensively praised for this performance and his stock has risen considerably after spending a season beside Van Dijk in the heart of the Celtic defence. It is clear that Van Dijk wishes to join Denayer in next season’s Premier League and he’d rather go sooner rather than later, regardless of the Champions League qualifiers.
“They must understand that as a footballer, sometimes it’s time to make a move.
“Of course the Champions League millions are important for Celtic, but they cannot dismiss any interest.
“If the correct amount is placed on the table, then they will really think about it, yes.
“If Celtic want to earn money from me, the club must act now.”
Sunderland, Everton and Southampton – who have had great value from raiding the Celtic first team in recent years – have all expressed interest in the player. Paul on Celtic Quick News revealed that the agreement that Celtic had struck with the player is that if an offer came from one of the leading clubs in the Premier League then Celtic would look at it.
That sounded very much like the list included Chelsea, the Manchester sides, Arsenal and maybe Liverpool.
